Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

One of the mindset shifts I've been focusing on lately has nothing to do with positive thinking or productivity.

It's about curiosity.

Curiosity keeps us growing. It keeps us asking better questions, learning new things, and challenging assumptions we've held for years. I truly believe it's one of the healthiest mindsets we can cultivate, not just for our businesses, but for our personal wellness too.

Recently, I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts, Longevity, where the host, Nathalie Niddam, was discussing how to choose the right supplements. As someone who loves both wellness and science, I found the conversation fascinating.

One phrase in particular stood out to me:

Biomarker-informed supplementation.

At first glance, it sounds like a complicated scientific term, but the idea behind it is actually very simple. Instead of guessing what your body needs, you use data to make informed decisions.

That approach resonates with me because it reflects something I believe deeply: there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to health.

Your Body Is Unique

We often hear broad recommendations that "everyone should take" a particular supplement.

While those suggestions may come from good intentions, they don't always take into account that every person has a different body, different lifestyle, and different nutritional needs.

Take vitamin D, for example.

Here in New England, it's common for people to have low vitamin D levels, especially during the winter months. It would be easy to assume that everyone should supplement.

But assumptions aren't the same as information.

Earlier this year, my blood work confirmed that I was deficient, so adding vitamin D to my daily routine made sense. Every morning I add a few drops to my shake because I know my body benefits from it. (And yes, my follow up bloodwork shows that I’m now back in the healthy range for Vitamin D!)

Without testing, though, I would simply have been guessing.

And that's important because more isn't always better. Certain vitamins, including vitamin D, can become harmful when taken in excessive amounts.

The goal isn't to take every supplement available.

The goal is to take what your body actually needs.

Data Removes the Guesswork

Another example is omega-3 fatty acids.

Many people assume they're deficient because the average diet often doesn't include enough healthy fats.

In my case, however, my biomarkers told a different story.

I eat salmon regularly. I love salmon sushi. Fresh salmon is a big part of my weekly meal plan, so my omega-3 levels are exactly where they should be.

Because I have that information, I know I don't need additional supplementation.

That's the beauty of using data instead of assumptions.

It allows you to make decisions based on facts rather than trends.

Curiosity Leads to Better Decisions

One of the reasons I enjoy learning about topics like this is that they remind me that health is always evolving.

Science continues to grow.

Research continues to improve.

The more curious we remain, the better equipped we are to make thoughtful decisions instead of following the latest headline or wellness trend.

Personally, I've been using the Function Health service to monitor my biomarkers. I want to be clear that I'm simply a client, not affiliated with the company in any way, but I've appreciated having access to comprehensive testing twice a year and add-ons whenever I want.

The information allows me to identify my personal wellness trends, ask better questions, and have more meaningful conversations about my health.

As someone who enjoys data, I find it fascinating.

More importantly, I find it empowering.

Curiosity Is a Mindset

Whether you're working on your health, growing a business, or simply trying to live well, curiosity is one of the most valuable mindsets you can develop.

Curiosity asks:

• What can I learn?

• What information am I missing?

• Is there evidence to support what I believe?

• Could there be a better way?

Those questions lead to better decisions.

And better decisions, made consistently over time, lead to better outcomes.

This week, I'd encourage you to stay curious.

Read something new.

Listen to a podcast that challenges your thinking.

Ask another question before assuming you know the answer.

Because growth begins with curiosity.

As always, what I hope for you is that you live a life you love without giving up the things that bring you joy.